GOOD NEWS! ebrating cel
Volume 31 Number 6
JUNE/JULY 2014
years INSIDE
HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMMISSIONING WEEKEND
The Eastern Territory commissions 58 Disciples of the Cross and challenges soldiers to “call upon the Lord, capture the vision, commit to a courageous step, and claim God’s strength and guidance.” PAGE 14
Good News! Online: www.SAConnects.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
‘Strikepoint’ launched, 58 Disciples of the Cross appointed continued on page
14 > >
from the editor >>
Your ‘selfie’— five years from now
GOOD NEWS! Warren L. Maye
‘Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.’
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—Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)
pivotal moment of my life occurred as an art student while attending Parsons School of Design back in the early 70s. In those days, I had aspired to be a commercial magazine and book illustrator. One day, a homework assignment literally brought me to my knees. “I want you to draw a picture of your life—five years from now,” said the instructor. What kind of assignment is this? I thought. Up to that point, students in the class were required to draw either representational (still–life, landscape, or portrait paintings), or conceptual pieces (drawings that surrealistically morphed two or more images into a single arresting idea, such as a clever op–ed piece for The New York Times). Now, we were being asked to become futurists and to envision that which was yet to be! To my amazement, I found the challenge all–consuming. Picturing myself in a future world of my own design caused me to think deeply about my faith in God and to seriously contemplate my goals, values, and most treasured relationships. After much prayer and supplication, I completed the drawings. Five years later, I was awestruck to realize that most of what I had envisioned actually came to fruition. If this worked for me, would it work for others? That thought took me on an exciting journey of discovery in which, rather than do only commercial illustration as I had planned, I would also use my skills to help other people envision their futures. In another five years, I was delighted to see that all of those people—newly married couples, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and even spouse seekers—had also seen their dreams come true. In this Good News! you’ll see how futures were born from the ashes of tragedy as you read the stories of 9/11 volunteers who found their life’s calling. We’ll also take you to “Strikepoint” where teams brainstormed new and innovative ways to answer the call to ministry. And you’ll see newly commissioned lieutenants courageously accept their first appointments. I hope you’ll be informed and inspired by the visionaries depicted here. And then, you’ll take a “selfie”—a snapshot of who you will be—five years from now.
Letters Thank you for your article on seniors (‘Foster Grandparent Program Changes Lives.’ GN! April 2014). I was so pleased to read about the New Jersey program. Seniors remain one of the largest populations in the US and more programs for or about them are needed. There are countless kids who could benefit from their loving influence. Does anyone realize how many grandchildren are now in the custodial care of grandparents? —Major Betty Sharp The article on Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), in the timeline for 1972 (GN! May 2014) mentions the picture of the child who was napalmed in Vietnam. Stating that the photo was a flashpoint for protests against chemical companies diminishes its actual impact. It was a flashpoint for the antiwar feelings in the U.S., and it went a long way towards [ending] the war. —Jim Hepburn
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USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William A. Bamford III Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor Secretary for Communications Warren L. Maye Robert Mitchell Keri Johnson Reginald Raines Doris Marasigan Lea Greene Karena Lin Joe Marino Nanette Morales
Editor–in–Chief Managing Editor Art Director Associate Art Director Photo Archivist Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Production/Web Specialist
Divisional News Correspondents CFOT—Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC—Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL—Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP—Jaye C. Jones GNY—Captain Gillian Rogers MASS—Drew Forster NJ—Bramwell Applin NEOSA—Major Thomas Hinzman NNE—Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI—Linette Luna SNE—James Gordon SWONEKY—Major Faith Miller WEPASA—Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison—Ronald Waiksnoris All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and can be reprinted only with written permission. Also available in Korean and Spanish.
Statement of Purpose Good News! is the official publication of The Salvation Army of the USA Eastern Territory. The purpose of Good News! is to inform, inspire, and equip Salvationists to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ.
For mailing list changes, write: Good News!, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.
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June/July 2014
vantage point >>
Holiness Symposium 2014 Holiness and social justice
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ong before the creation of the earth, there was God’s idea for us to be holy,” proclaimed Commissioner Christine M. MacMillan at the opening session of the 2014 Territorial Holiness Symposium. The Symposium began with a welcome dinner in the afternoon of April 24th. Major Young Sung Kim, ambassador for Holiness, and Colonel William A. Bamford III, chief secretary, greeted the delegates. Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, spoke of the territory’s commitment to effective ministry and how holiness is recognized as essential to The Salvation Army. “It is important that we know holiness personally,” he said, “It needs to be taught to our people and lived out ourselves.” Over the next 24 hours, we were privileged to sit under the teaching of Commissioner MacMillan, former territorial commander in Canada and the first director of the Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission. She currently works on global social justice issues with the World Evangelical Alliance, which represents over 600 million Christians.
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MacMillan began her teaching by reminding us that holiness was God’s intention before the creation of the world. She quoted the apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:4—“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” She then brought us to Genesis 1:1–3 and said that “when God created the world, it was formless and empty and dark and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” This condition of being formless and empty and dark could also describe people who are suffering because of social injustice in the world. “Four thousand children will die today,” MacMillan told us, “because they are thirsty and will drink water that is not fit to drink; water that will kill them.” She added, “Injustice is just a fancy word for sin. Injustice needs the same attention we need [to give] our own sin and our own desire to walk with God.” The light of God needs to enter the formless and empty and dark places in the world and transform them into places of light. Commissioner MacMillan challenged us by saying that the issues that cause social justice are complex and what seems like
captain daniel Brunelle
a simple and obvious solution is not always the best. She said that, if Christians are going to be effective in transformational ministry and helping to rid the world of injustice, we must learn that “God wants to do a deeper work than what we know.” MacMillan explained that where there is holiness there is an interaction of three elements—faith, mercy, and justice. Faith and mercy are often supported by the public. Justice, however, is more challenging because of deep cultural, religious, and political differences. It takes courage on the part of individuals and organizations to fight injustice and to confront those people who benefit from that injustice. The 2014 Holiness Symposium deepened my faith and broadened my understanding of social justice. The worship led by Envoys Steven and Sharon Bussey and Major Donna Peterson, territorial evangelist, drew me into the presence of God. The teaching of Commissioner MacMillan came from a depth of wisdom and experience motivated by a love for God and for His people. —Captain Brunelle is the corps officer in Greenfield, Mass.
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prayer & praisE >>
Called to be God’s people
coLoneL Janice hoWard
In this new column, the “12 Calls” written in Commissioner Robert Street’s book, Called to Be God’s People, will be explored. May this series cause us to live in the fullness of life God intended through Christ and by the Holy Spirit!
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n 1996, General Paul A. Rader (Ret.) called Salvationists to form the International Spiritual Life Commission (ISLC) to reflect “on matters of belief and practice touching our very heart as a people raised up by God for His holy purposes.” Salvationists have become “a people of God,” Rader said, part of the Church universal. How then is the spiritual life of the people to be cultivated and sustained? ISLC discussed these questions, corresponding members sent papers, and other Salvationists submitted correspondence for consideration on the chosen topics. The outcome consisted of “12 Calls.” Commissioner Robert Street wrote about the Calls in his book, Called to Be God’s People, a tool to be used by Salvationists. The 141–page document is available via free download at http:// www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/documents/ called-to-be-gods-people.pdf. This material includes explanations,
questions, and scripture verses that can be utilized for personal study, group Bible studies, sermon topics, and soldiers’ meetings. Each call can be dissected, sentence by sentence, to be studied and practiced. May we Salvationists further understand who we are as a people of God. We begin with the first Call of the ISLC, the “Call to Worship.”
Call to Worship We call Salvationists worldwide to worship and proclaim the living God, and to seek in every meeting a vital encounter with the Lord of Life, using relevant cultural forms and languages. We affirm that God invites us to a meeting in which God is present, God
Inst itute
Holiness
speaks, and God acts. In our meetings we celebrate and experience the promised presence of Christ with His people. Christ crucified, risen, and glorified is the focal point, the epicenter of our worship. We offer worship to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit, in our own words, in acts that engage our whole being: body, soul, and mind. We sing the ancient song of creation to its Creator, we sing the new song of the redeemed to their Redeemer. We hear proclaimed the word of redemption, the call to mission, and the promise of life in the Spirit. For a continuation of this article with questions and scripture, please go to www.armyonitsknees.org. There you will also find the territorial prayer requests.
“Our Journey in a Bible-Shaped Life of Holiness”
for Soldiers
October 16–19, 2014 THQ Conference Center Cost: $150
www.armyonitsknees.org
trans formation >>
‘The power for change’
nancy dociMo
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was a heroin addict for 15 years. I did drugs, sold drugs, broke into cars, robbed people, fought, shoplifted, ran with gangs, and prostituted myself to maintain my habit. I lived in danger and many times put my life at risk. The streets were my home. There I was accepted. I’ve seen things that no one should ever see. Although I was messed up, I knew one thing. I hated myself, and death looked much better than life. I had lost everything. I was forced to leave apartment after apartment. Earlier in my life, I had been raised in a beautiful home. Dad worked and Mom stayed home and took care of us. I was raised in the Catholic church. We went to church every Sunday. I married my high school sweetheart. We had a nice home with three beautiful children. But after 20 years of marriage, my husband and I divorced badly. It terribly hurt my children. I became a single mother and life was hard. The lack of money was a constant problem. Years later, my father died at age 64. I was with him. At that moment, something in me died too. At that point, my life fell apart. All my strength and health turned for the worse. I now know that it was his death that triggered my road to addiction. First, I just took pills to relax and to sleep. That led to going to bars to drink and forget. At this time, a friend who had some cocaine introduced me to the world of hard drugs. Soon, I was spending my money on drugs rather than on my home and kids. Then one day, while standing between two garbage trucks, I overdosed. Someone found me and called 911. I was unconscious for three days. When I came to, I vowed never to do drugs again! And I didn’t! I went clean.
I had to leave the city. I just didn’t belong there anymore. Lacking money, my kids, or even food, I arrived in Lynn, Mass., with just a garbage bag of clothes in my hand. Living in a local “sober house,” I commenced ten months of community service. The director of the house told me that The Salvation Army was just around the corner. So for those 10 months, I washed Salvation Army windows and did other types of routine maintenance. Frequently, someone would invite me to the Army’s Sunday service. I felt as if they were bugging me to death! After five months of saying “no,” I finally gave in and went to a service to “get that over with.” Following his sermon, the Captain invited people to come and pray at an altar. I was scared to death, but somehow I went there to pray. Someone came to pray with me and asked if I would like to ask Jesus into my life. I said, “Yes.” All at once, I felt something. I felt as if fire was burning me! As every emotion poured out of me, all I could do was to cry. I went home from that service with a new Bible. That afternoon, I felt at peace although I also felt exhausted. I went to sleep. When I awoke, I asked God, “Am I really forgiven? Why me? What do you want me for?” I had met many wonderful
people at the corps and wondered how I could ever be accepted by or be good enough for them. I started growing fast. The Bible became my life! Sometimes, I would read it all night! I allowed the forgiveness of Christ to come in, and it changed me. The Captain asked, “Would you like to join the recruitment classes to possibly become a Salvation Army soldier?” I again said, “Yes.” I started a personal journal of my new life. Every day, prayer became a “must” for me. As a rule, I prayed and read from the Word of God before leaving my apartment. After completing the recruitment classes, the Captain ordered a Salvation Army uniform for me. Coincidentally, my soldier enrollment date fell on my birthday! I invited family members to attend the ceremony. On Sept. 22, 2013, in the presence of my parents and my brothers and my sisters, I was sworn in as a soldier. I also shared my testimony of how God found me. At the end of the service, one of my sisters came and knelt and accepted Christ into her life at that same altar where I had knelt a couple of years earlier! I approached my mother. She said, “Today I saw a strong woman that I never have to worry about again.” Those words meant the world to me. I am now a proud soldier of The Salvation Army and have wonderful corps officers who make time for me. God has given me a mission to the homeless and drug– addicted people here in Lynn. I know their pain and despair. When I tell them my story, I see hope in their eyes! When they ask me, “How did you do it?” I promise them that the moment they take the hand of Jesus—everything changes! The limitless power for change is in Jesus’ love, compassion, forgiveness, and healing.
BOUNDLESS BOUNDLESS whole world redeeming the the whole world redeeming The Salvation Army International Congress
The Salvation Army |International Congress 150th Anniversary 1-5 July 2015 | London, UK
150th Anniversary | 1-5 July 2015 | London, UK Register at BOUNDLESS2015.ORG
territorial newS >>
SA committed to Socially Responsible Investing (part 2) Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) has a long history in The Salvation Army that goes back to its Wesleyan theological roots (see GN! May 2014). We hope that part 2 of this 2–part series on the Army’s SRI policy will further your understanding of this important function in the Army as it explores the process.
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he Salvation Army Eastern Territory’s portfolio management, investment objectives, investment philosophy, and performance, are based on its commitment to stewardship and to prudent investment of its financial assets. The territory, which is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, has a rigorous due diligence and asset allocation process for managing and monitoring its investments. To accomplish this work, it relies on a professional staff, an investment consultant, approximately 35 investment managers, a board of trustees, as well as an investment oversight committee. These resources have helped the territory’s investment portfolio outperform its strategic benchmark for the past year and to generate positive returns—while remaining committed to its SRI guidelines. The Army’s annual Investment Stewardship Report states, “We strive to maintain a diversified portfolio that will enhance long– term total return while avoiding undue risk; preserve the inflation– adjusted purchasing power of the assets; and provide the needed liquidity to support the operations of the territory’s programs and services. The Salvation Army Eastern Territory pledges to continue
Warren L. Maye
‘Doing the Most Good’ with the financial resources it receives.” “What sets the management of funds in The Salvation Army apart from fund management in other institutions is the purpose of our ministry of money…,” wrote Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, in an open letter to financial supporters, “…to faithfully manage the resources God has entrusted to us in the Eastern Territory in ways that help the local, divisional, and territorial commands to fulfill their goals … in their various programs and ministries. “We invest the funds that are entrusted to our care in ways that are socially responsible and in compliance with The Salvation Army’s Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines,” Swanson continued. “We do not permit investments in companies that derive more than 10 percent of their revenue from the manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, gaming, munitions, or pornography.* We seek to invest in those companies and industries that support the building up of the human condition and positive living.” The following diagram illustrates how The Salvation Army carries out its SRI policies on a daily basis. * Editor’s note: in the previous article, contraception was listed as one of the business activities that the Army avoids. It actually maintains a neutral position on this issue. Also, omitted was the Army’s ongoing commitment to avoid holding securities in companies that are currently involved in severe environmental controversies.
Socially Responsible Screening (SRS) Process Investment Managers
Responsible for holding the actual securities; provides trade settlement services as investment managers buy and sell securities.
Responsible for ‘buy–and–sell decisions’ of individual securities.
nica ted
Custodian Bank
om
Where details of all securities owned by investment managers are transferred quarterly from the bank to the investment consultant.
mu
Direct Computer Link
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Investment Consultant Responsible for investment manager ‘due diligence,’ asset allocation advice, and performance reporting. The consultant also screens portfolio holdings for Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) violations.
Managers are instructed to sell any security that violates the socially responsible policies. The managers use trading software and can block the purchase of any security into a client account. So when instructed about a violation, the security in question is sold and can be blocked from ever entering the Army’s account on a ‘go–forward’ basis. The overall SRS process has been working well for nearly 15 years, so almost all companies that would violate the policy have been identified and blocked from being purchased by the investment managers the Army engages.
Security Screening 2 The investment consultant then uses screening software that has the ability to break down any global company traded on an exchange by revenue of divisions and product lines.
Even a small amount of revenue from one of the ‘sin’ areas can be identified and would lead to removal from the Army’s portfolio.
territorial newS >>
9/11 Museum extols the virtues of volunteerism
warren l. maye
D
uring the dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in Lower Manhattan, images flashed on a massive screen in the great subterranean hall showing men and women at work at Ground Zero—at the “Taj Mahal” (the Salvation Army tent so named by the workers); and of Salvation Army volunteers, writing prayers on battered beams of steel, counseling survivors, offering water, sandwiches, coffee, and words of comfort. Clearly distinguishing them were their bright red Salvation Army shields affixed to white windbreaker jackets and construction worker hardhats. Just a few days prior to the actual dedication ceremony, hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers were invited to a preview of the museum in response to a letter of invitation extended by the Museum Foundation to the Greater New York Division. In the aftermath of 9/11, the lives of these volunteers were deeply influenced. Kelly–Jane Cotter from Central New Jersey reflected on her visit to the 9/11 Museum for myCentraljersey.com. “One of the artifacts I most appreciated seeing was the Ground Zero Cross,” she wrote, “which I vividly remembered from my time as a volunteer with The Salvation Army. Yet while visiting the museum, I walked right past the 17–foot crossbeam. My mind was reeling, my eyes were filled with tears, and I simply couldn’t see it until I noticed some firefighters aiming their cameras upward.” Tanya Hoggard, a Cincinnati–based flight attendant, had rearranged her schedule to volunteer with The Salvation Army. She came to realize that children from around the country wanted their messages of thanks and hope to reach the firefighters and rescue workers at Ground Zero. Through friendships forged with firefighters who visited the Taj Mahal for coffee, conversation, and snacks, Hoggard learned that firehouses throughout New York City were receiving mail bags containing warm wishes from children—sometimes attached to stuffed animals, candy, murals, flags, and quilts. These expressions of love and gratitude proved overwhelming. Hoggard thought, Why don’t I collect and safeguard these touching expressions? With permis-
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sion, she archived and preserved the materials. Her resulting “Dear Hero Collection” is now on display at the museum. For Sam Potter, Oklahoma’s disaster relief director, the preview day was an emotional one. He had spent a total of 39 days in Lower Manhattan, providing relief in the wake of the attacks. At that time, disaster relief chaplaincy was in its infancy and was yet to be organized nationally. However, the Oklahoma team carried with them the experiences of ministering to people devastated by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. “I think the biggest thing about the museum is that it truly tells the whole story of what happened that 9/11,” Porter wrote for “theCatholicspirit.com,” an online newspaper. “I think it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever seen. It’s so complete.” Jennifer Adams–Webb volunteered in the aftermath of 9/11 for The Salvation Army. She had worked in World Trade Tower One for several years prior to the attack. Today, she is chief executive officer of the September 11th Families’ Association and co–founder of the 9/11 Tribute Center. Jim Daly, another Salvation Army volunteer, had watched on TV and in horror as the World Trade Center’s iconic twin towers fell down. A decade later, this parishioner of St. John in Little Canada continues to reflect on time spent as a volunteer at Ground Zero in January 2002 in articles written
about him in Salvation Army publications and in other periodicals. After answering the Army’s call for volunteers, Daly found himself at Ground Zero staring into “the pit,” a hole the size of a football field, where construction workers, police officers, and firefighters continued to unearth human remains four months after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. When asked by a reporter how the experience affected him, Daly paused for a moment, then said, “I have an appreciation for every day when I watch the sun come up. I think [the experience] probably just strengthened that.” Major James Betts, general secretary for the Greater New York Division, was also moved by his visit to the museum. “I really didn’t anticipate the emotional impact it would have,” he said. “The museum was moving beyond my expectations.” Betts visited with his wife Major Sue–Ellen Betts, divisional secretary for program, and Majors Philip and Jodi Lloyd, territorial youth and associate youth secretaries. This was especially meaningful to Major James Betts since he and Major Phil served together at Ground Zero in the days following 9/11. “I think with it being built underground and including so many images and sounds of the area in which I had served, [it] just brought it all back,” said Betts. “I am grateful for all of the work folks have put into creating a sacred space for us to honor people who made the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless all who enter in.” 7
territorial newS >>
‘Know the Secret’
roBert MitcheLL
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his year, Envoys Steve and Sharon Bussey are taking the Salvation Army’s Pier Ministry at Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings to the next level. The July 25–Aug. 1 Pier Ministry and many of its innovations will revolve around the theme “Know the Secret.” “We see Old Orchard Beach not just as a place where we’re doing evangelism, but we see this as a context in which we can model creative open–air [meetings],” Steve says. “Not just in places like OOB, but anywhere. “A lot of people think open–airs are something of the past, but they can have a dynamic impact upon people today. We want to show that, with creativity and with innovation, we can not only stop people in their tracks to listen, but we can find creative and new ways to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Busseys, who lead The Salvation Factory (a think tank for creative ideas based at Territorial Headquarters) hope to employ what they call “judo evangelism”—the idea of using the strength of your opponent against him or her. “Similarly we’re trying to take all that’s taking place down there that could keep people away from Christ and use that to actually capture their attention and gain their confidence so we can save their souls,” Steve said. “We want to play off the beach, the entertainment, and the carnival atmosphere.” With an objective of proclaiming the Gospel “through the most attractive, creative, daring, and innovative methods possible,” Bussey said the 2014 Pier Ministry will still feature singers, illusions, dancers, actors, balloon sculptures, and face painting. Also: • a rock band will play top 40 hits, but replace the lyrics with evangelistic ones. Bussey said the salvation army employed such tactics in the 1880s. “imagine what that looks like in 2014,” he said.
scan Quick response codes (Qr) and go to www.knowthesecret. org. (launching July 25, 2014)
• phil laeger has written an exciting 15–minute mini–musical that will tell the story of the prodigal son and incorporate the summer Brass Band, a D.J., the rock band, a percussion group, dancers, and cast. • a 30–foot mobile stage and 20–foot lcD screen will broadcast nightly at the pier. “we plan to do a mind-blowing light show every night with the phil laeger piece that stops people in their midst,” Bussey said. “Our prayer is that by the third night they would be celebrating Jesus as the savior.” • people will use mobile phones to
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Steve said Salvationists would take photos of vacationers, who will be directed to a prayer tent to pick up the free pictures. The photo frames will feature the question, “Where is Jesus in the picture of your life?” Counselors will be on hand to talk about Christ. “We’re going to play off the carnival atmosphere,” said Bussey. While face painting and balloon animals will still be a part of the event, children can also engage in a treasure hunt, where they can find the “Secret.” Bussey said he also hopes to train a team of one–on–one evangelists, who will engage people as they enter the island leading to the Pier. “Street performers will draw people in, where it gets more intense as they get closer to the stage,” Steve said. Steve said Hands On and LEAD delegates will be helping. Bussey is also looking for volunteers to distribute evangelistic giveways with the “Know the Secret” logo. “We’d like those people who come to hang out to actually play a role in helping,” he said. Steve said a delegation of French Canadian Salvationists would be on hand to reach out to French speakers. “Our prayer is that the entire Pier area will become an incubator of the Gospel, accelerating their [spiritual learning] process,” Bussey said. “We want to show them there is nothing more exciting, and nothing more fulfilling, than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Each night will end with a light show in front of the stage with the live band. Some people in the crowd will wear motion–generated lights, and the Pier Ministry will give away 500 glow sticks. “Everything will be geared toward searching for meaning and for purpose in life and in knowing ultimately that Jesus is the true ‘Secret,’” Bussey said. June/July 2014 2014
territorial newS >>
Nordeman to perform at OOB
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ontemporary Christian singer Nichole Nordeman carries a bit of a secret around with her when she tours the country. “Many people may think I’m a real ‘people person,’ but I am not,” she said almost apologetically. “It does surprise people because the personality that I give off is pretty friendly and I feel like I can handle myself well in large groups. “I am really a profoundly private and introverted person, and my perfect vacation is with about 12 books in a cabin by myself,” said the singer who makes her home in Tulsa, Okla. It’s not a dual personality, Nichole insists. It is a phenomenon she has accepted and has managed as a person frequently in the spotlight. When she does step into that light as a singer, she reflects Christ’s love. The award–winning performer aims to reflect His love this summer at the Salvation Army’s Old Orchard Beach Camp Meeting as the closing act on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Although this will be the
first time the 42–year–old artist will perform in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, she has sung in nearby Portland and has fond memories of her time there. “I remember feeling so warm and welcomed by that community,” Nichole says. “It’s funny that when you travel, you associate different regions of the country with different things. The people there are so kind and no–nonsense and warm and engaging.” Nichole, a two–time Gospel Music Association winner for Female Vocalist of the Year and the recipient of nine Dove awards, says she has several new songs ready for an upcoming album but is not sure if she will be ready to debut any at OOB. However, her fans shouldn’t worry. She has a bevy of No. 1 and top 10 singles from which to choose. “I certainly will enjoy pulling from my usual repertoire of old and newer material,” Nichole says. “My live performance is usually a singer– songwriter night. It’s just me at a piano … creating a pretty organic feel and sound. It
won’t sound like records. I love performing. It will be an intimate performance.” For her, inspiration for writing music comes from a variety of sources, including life experiences, newspaper stories, or even conversations with friends. “You have to live life before you can write songs, (and) I think it’s about both inspiration and discipline,” she said. “Inspiration is not going to fall out of the sky. You have to work at it like any craft, but those moments often come from poems, Scriptures, a conversation with a friend—those are moments of inspiration.”
‘Honk’ at OOB July 30
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t has become a tradition to set aside one night of the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings for a presentation by the Creative Arts Service Team (CAST), led by Ian Evans and Sharon Jackson. This year, CAST will present “Honk” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30. “Honk,” based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” is the story of
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Robert Mitchell
This singer, who grew up in a home that was always filled with Gospel music, said it is also about the “faithfulness of the craft.” And as the mother of two young children, she was forced to make a choice at the height of her singing career. “Most of my friends are working women, and many are artists with husbands and children, and they [manage life] well. I struggled to be a great mom and a great artist. I straddled that fence for many years, and finally, when my youngest was three, I said, I’m done. I felt that my heart was divided,” she said. “I went to my label and said, ‘I need to take off my artist hat and put on my mom hat all the way…and when I feel like I have a green light to come back, I will let you know.’” That green light stayed off for six years, and during her hiatus, she had another baby. She still wrote music. However, her children’s schedules came first. “I got to tuck my kids in every night and still use my gift. I’m really grateful God made a way for that to happen,” she said.
Robert Mitchell
Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along the way he discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny. The CAST includes Belen Baigorria, Paula Baigorria, Alivia Bender, Bradley Egan, Macaira Furman, Sarah
George, Ryan Livingston, Oracia Morris, Olivia Renkel, Chelsea Rice, Zachary Smith, and Jonathon Schaffstall. The production is under the direction of the Arts Ministries Bureau, led by Carol Jaudes. “Honk” is being directed by Anna Street. Laura Danette is in charge of choreography and Major Hollie Ruthberg will make the costumes. 9
corps newS >>
100 souls saved, $3,000 raised, and 113 years sober!
Cleveland, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
100 accept Christ
I ‘Moustache’
Cleveland, OH—What happened at the West Park Corps on April 11 was truly amazing. “We had more than 600 people in our building, hearing a gospel message, and having a free, family– friendly, fun time,” said Captain J.R. Fritsch. “More than 100 people, children and adults, raised their hands to accept Christ.” It was the 2nd annual Easter egg hunt held by the corps, Fritsch said. “Corps members worked together with volunteers from the community,” he said. “We had food, games, door prizes, and free giveaways.”
Cincinnati, OH—“I Moustache You a Question. Do You Know Jesus?” That was the theme in March of a “moustache party” held at the Kidz Club of the West Side Corps. Captain Patty Richwine, corps officer, said a program is held every Thursday evening for kids in grades K–6. They sing, hear a Bible story, do a craft, play in the gym, and have a snack. “Often we have themed parties,” Richwine said. “This month, we gave each child a moustache, decorated the corps with moustaches, played moustache– related games, and let kids take home a
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‘moustache goody bag.’ “The new program is an outreach to children of our clients, our day care, our church, and our neighborhood. We currently have 40 children registered.” Easter outreach New Beford, MA—As many people think about spiritual issues during the Resurrection season, it is a great time for community outreach. The corps, led by Majors Gilbert and BethEllen Parkhurst, took advantage of that opportunity on April 19 by hosting an egg hunt, decorating, offering games, and by serving lunch from a mobile canteen.
“We were excited to be out in our community sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors,” Major BethEllen Parkhurst said. The event took place a few blocks from the corps. “We had several volunteers come and help with the egg hunt and games,” Parkhurst said. “Volunteers served from the canteen. We had 48 people in attendance.” ‘Difference Makers’ honored New Britain, CT—The 6th annual Recognition Dinner on April 29 honored longtime Salvationists. The event was attended by a record
number of faithful officers, supporters, staff, and friends. The master of ceremonies was Kevin Nathan, an NBC sports anchor. The keynote speaker was Will Marotti, longtime friend of the Army, senior pastor at New Life Church, and a WTIC NewsTalk 1080 radio host. Marotti delivered a heartfelt account of how the Army has personally touched the lives of his family members. The “Hand to Man Award” was presented to the Tomasso Group. The “Doing the Most Good Award” went to the Interact Clubs at both the Berlin and New Britain high schools. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and June/July 2014
New Bedford, Mass.
the Women of the ULCA received the “Heart to God Award,” while Arnold Schwartz received the “Faithful Soldier Award.” John Kiernan was recognized with a “40 Years of Service Award.” Afternoon tea, anyone? St Thomas, V.I.—They wore their finest hats on May 18 as the Ladies Auxiliary of the St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Corps raised $3,000 at an afternoon tea party. Captain Valerie J. Hazeldine, the Army’s regional coordinator, said about 60 people attended the event, which featured a silent auction. The event was held at www.saconnects.org
the home of Jeni Smith, whose husband, Tom Bolt, is the chairman of the advisory board. “There were scones with jam and cream, dainty cucumber sandwiches, cakes, cream puffs, and, of course, lots of tea,” Hazeldine said. The event also featured a string quintet, led by Dr. Lorna C. Young–Wright from the University of the Virgin Islands. ARC grads doing well Dayton, OH—The Alumni Association at the Adult Rehabilitaton Center (ARC) held a gathering recently for graduates. “The chapel was
full,” said Ruth Tempel. “The testimonies were afire with what the Lord can do for people who surrender their lives to God and we had good music. “We had each one write down how much sober time they had,” Tempel said. “Our final count was 113 years, 14 months, and 28 days! We will keep in touch with everyone.” Tempel said the goal is to try to have an awards night every year. Volunteers honored Jersey City, NJ—Salvation Army volunteers were among the people honored at the Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service.
The “Senior Companions” and the “Foster Grandparents” are both federally–funded programs that are sponsored by The Salvation Army. The Corporation for National & Community Service for Volunteering invited the volunteers who received recognition and a proclamation for their service from Mayor Steven M. Fulop. The Senior Companions program is made up of seniors, aged 55 and older and of low income, who make independence a reality for homebound seniors. The volunteers provide assistance to seniors who have physical, emotional, or mental health limitations. The Foster Grandparents Program (see May
Good News!) is made up of seniors who serve in schools, hospitals, childcare centers, and other community–based Head Start centers. New soldiers enrolled Wilmington, DE— Three new junior soldiers were enrolled recently at the Wilmington, Del., Corps. Godefroy Makoumbou, corps ministry assistant, offered a prayer of dedication for the newest junior soldiers, Janea Jones, Rachel Makoumbou, and Caleb Mitchell. The flagbearers were Godefroy Makoumbou and Major Liz Fox. Captain Kristin Rivero is the corps officer. 11
territorial newS >>
50 years of music ministry: The Pendel Brass & Singers
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he Pendel Brass & Singers (PBS) are looking forward to the Pendel 50th Anniversary weekend at Camp Ladore on July 18–20, 2014. This event will coincide with the Pendel Musicamp Finale. Always a highlight, it brings together alumni and current and future members in the magnificent Performing Arts and Recreation Center (PARC) Pavilion. Special guests for the reunion weekend will include former PBS leaders Bill Flinn and Ivor and Janette Bosanko. One of the hallmarks of this 50th anniversary season has been a series of concerts celebrating God’s faithfulness in the past, present, and future. On March 8, at the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, the PBS presented “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” using music from past PBS generations including “The High Council” march, the cornet trio The Victors, the scintillating euphonium solo “Euphony,” featuring soloist Adam Fyn, and the Evergreen Festival Finale, “The Call of the Righteous.” Vocal selections included favorites such as “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” “Morning Prayer,” and “Stranger.” In celebrating the past, the PBS gave a preconcert on March 29 at the Philadelphia (Citadel), Pa., Corps, followed by a look to the future by the Pendel Prep and Youth Music Forces. The Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division’s (PENDEL) seven regional music schools joined in a United Brass & Vocal performance that included dance, timbrels, and drama groups. Among the 110 youthful brass players were 70 cornet players!
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While the Youth Band and Chorus members look to someday become members of PBS, they already represent a standard to which the division’s newest musicians aspire. Another 50th anniversary offering is a double CD release, which includes solos by alumnus Rachael Gulley, Andrew Garcia, David LaBossiere, and Bram Rader, the current accompanist. Recorded over two weekends during this season at Camp Ladore, among eleven brass tracks is the cornet duet “Quicksilver,” played by Derek Lance and Caleb Laidlaw, Martin Cordner’s exciting “Escape Velocity,” as well as the vocal presence of Major Margaret Davis in “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The singers’ disc has 12 tracks, which include a medley of Ivor Bosanko songs entitled “Set My Singing Free,” as well as Lloyd Scott’s compelling “Room for Jesus.” Fifty years ago, PBS had its first rehearsals under Bandmaster Ken Strehle. In March of 1964, the band played its first concert,
June/July 2014
laura fyn / harold burgmayer
and by the summer, it had made appearances at the New York World’s Fair. As many as 500 musicians and timbrelists have participated in PBS. Today, there continues to be an opportunity to play God– honoring music alongside like–minded Salvationists, where faith and friendships are nurtured for a lifetime. Five bandmasters, 16 recordings, 10 tours, and 50 seasons later, PBS continues to serve faithfully at a consistently high level. “As we engage in the events of this anniversary season, we look back on a marvelous heritage with deep respect,” said Harold Burgmayer. “Its past, present, and future are much more than the music. However, we are challenged, by God’s hand, to walk humbly forward, mindful of the generations to come. Long after the notes fade, the sound of our Father’s calling continues to seek sinners to His throne, and we pray that He continues to use us as His willing servants. We’ve come this far by faith! To God be the glory!”
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commissioning coverage >>
‘Let them say …’ Cadets honored at commencement
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t the College for Officer Training commencement service on Commissioning Weekend, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder’s honest message to the Disciples of the Cross session was an encouragement and a warning. Hodder, commander of the Kenya West Territory, said that as officers in ministry, they could expect to be misunderstood just as Jesus Christ was in His time. Hodder predicted that they would be mocked and even laughed at by their critics and pundits. “There will be days when your faith seems dry, empty, and wasted,” he said, but Hodder urged them to “commit to love.” “I’m talking about the kind of love in which you are willing, indeed, joyfully prepared to give up everything for the sake of someone else,” Hodder said. “I’m talking about a love that goes beyond loving those who will love you back. “Prepare to do what He did—to give everything that was within Him, to be broken, so that others would know the love of God.” Hodder said the cadets would face sleepless nights helping people and living out a Gospel that most critics still consider a “scandal and an embarrassment.” “Prepare to give up what the world calls ‘dignity’ in favor of the dignity of faithfulness,” Hodder said. “When God looks you over, He won’t be looking for ranks or degrees or medals or positions, He’ll be looking
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for scars,” Hodder said. “Let them see love.” Sustained applause was the audience’s response inside the Great American Hall of Hershey Lodge. Some might even call you a “loser,” Hodder continued. “That’s all right,” he said. “It doesn’t matter because in the long run you’re going to discover that what they said you have lost wasn’t worth having in the first place. “The Army and the world need people who will love like that. Unless you are willing to commit first and foremost to a life of broken love, nothing will change. No destiny will be altered. No lives transformed. No heavenly kingdom built up.” However, if they are willing to commit, Hodder said, “Everything is possible.” “Let them say that you’re out of touch. Let them say that you’re living in the past. Let them say that the Gospel has lost its power and its relevance. The opinion of those who misjudged Christ didn’t last. Any criticism that you might endure as His disciple won’t last either. Just give yourself fully, abandon yourself to a life of loving people in the name of Jesus Christ and everything else will take care of itself.” Just before Hodder spoke, Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson, the USA’s East’s territorial leaders, presented an associate’s degree in applied science to each cadet. The ceremony also included the presentation of several academic awards. The valedictorian of the Disciples of the Cross session, with a 3.97
Robert Mitchell
grade–point average, was Cadet Allison Cornish, who also took home the awards for Bible Knowledge Achievement (145 out of 150 correct on the test) and Doctrine Knowledge Achievement. Cadet Jessica Rock, with a GPA of 3.85, was salutatorian. The award for Bible Knowledge Improvement went to Cadet Shane Carter, who improved by 53 points. The Doctrine Knowledge Progress award went to cadets Jonathon Lewis and Steven Thomas. Cornish, who delivered the valedictory address, recalled two years earlier when the cadets arrived at the College for Officer Training excited, nervous, and not quite sure what to expect. “But we were certain of one thing: God’s faithfulness,” Cornish said. “The mentors and officers at CFOT taught the cadets academics and how to love God and cling close to Him.” She pointed out how, in His faithfulness, God took an eclectic group of strangers and made them into one session. “That faithfulness is not temporary,” Cornish said. “God’s faithfulness is eternal. No matter where we are appointed, no matter what our responsibilities will encompass, God is and will always be faithful.” June/July 2014
commissioning coverage >>
Fellowship of the Silver Star honors parents
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he cadets of the Disciples of the Cross session make it to Commissioning Weekend as a result of much support, prayer, guidance, and mentoring from parents and other influential people in their lives. On Friday evening at the Hershey Lodge, the cadets honored them at the Fellowship of the Silver Star Dinner. The Fellowship, which was begun in 1930 by General Evangeline Booth, includes parents and designated spiritual parents and mentors who have helped shape the lives of the cadets. During the dinner, three preselected cadets publicly acknowledged their parents, while other cadets honored their parents at individual tables by reading heartfelt testimonies to them. Commissioner E. Sue Swanson and Colonel G. Lorraine Bamford then presented Silver Star certificates to each parent. Cadet Justin Barter said that his mom, Major Judy Barter, was a “mother” to everyone in the corps and showed them “the same love God has for His children.” “Mom, I know what compassion looks like because of you,” Barter said. Cadet Allison Ward talked about her mother, Linda, overcoming several health issues. “You’ve shown me God is still in the miracle business,” Ward said. “The joy you
have in the midst of trial is unbelievable.” Cadet Janelle Lewis honored her mother, Perdetha Watson, who she said represented “strength, sacrifice, courage, and service to others.” Lewis said her mother, a detective with the Philadelphia Police Department, taught her to dream big and to be a leader. “It’s because of her example that all of my siblings serve the Lord,” Lewis said. “It’s because of you that I serve others today.” Commissioner Jolene Hodder, who leads the Kenya West Territory along with Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, delivered a devotional thought, quoting several verses about stars from Psalms. Hodder said her daughter and husband
‘So you want to be a disciple?’ Ordained and commissioned for service
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solemn and reflective service began by remembering, via a video accompanied by music, the names and faces of each Eastern officer who was promoted to Glory in the past year. Then Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, stepped forward and said “We are here to honor the cadets who will be ordained this morning, but we’re primarily here to honor the Lord and what He has to say to us at this time.” Taking into account the more
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than 2,500 people in the room, other people in the overflow room, and still more people watching via livestream, Swanson quoted Acts 2:1, and said, “Here we are on Pentecost Sunday—all in one place. The Holy Spirit comes to us again this morning!” After heartfelt prayer, the Disciples of the Cross slowly entered the Great American Hall, each one walking respectfully down the aisles. On the platform, they sang anthems of power such as “Christ Is
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used to lie in the backyard on a blanket and look up at the stars. In rural Kenya, the stars are very visible at night. “The sky is literally full of tiny points of light,” she said. Her daughter is grown now, but she says Commissioner Kenneth Hodder still goes out and lets his iPhone tell him the names of the stars. “I, too, agree the stars are beautiful and amazing, but it’s even more amazing to think that God our creator set all those stars in place,” she said. “He cares for the billions of stars in the galaxy, yet He cares for each one of us. “The God of the universe not only knows the cadets in this room today, but He has singled these stars out to stand for Him—to shine brightly for Him, to lead others to serve Him. What an amazing privilege that is. Cadets, we are very proud of you.” Hodder also quoted Daniel 12:3, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” “Parents, today we honor you,” Hodder said. “So let your light shine and give praise to the One who has made tonight possible, the creator and Lord of all. May God bless all of the stars this evening.”
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All” and “How Great Thou Art.” Colonel William A. Bamford III, chief secretary, led the cadets in reciting their Affirmation of Faith. During a video testimony, the cadets expressed what it means to be a Disciple of the Cross. “It means coming alongside your brother and sister and helping them in a time of need,” said Cadet Ashley Luzader. “It means dying to self,” said Cadet Damon Bethel. “It means surrendering my whole life to Jesus,” said 15
Paula Aguilera
Manhattan (Citadel), NY Assistant Corps Officer
Byunghoon & Jina Bang Newport, RI Corps Officers
Brandon Cottrell
Lemuel & Roxanna Cuascut
Phillip Davies
Patricia Edwards
Jeremiah Eisley
Ashley Ferrell
Mount Vernon, OH Corps Officer
San Juan (Central Temple), PR Assistant Corps Officers
Oswego County Corps, NY Assistant Corps Officer
Boston (Jubilee House), MA Corps Officer
Portsmouth, OH Corps Officer
Wooster, OH Assistant Corps Officer
Shareena Lee
Jonathan & Janelle Lewis
Hwang & Seoyoung Lim
Samantha Lockard
Ashley Luzader
Joel & Kama Lyle
Cortland, NY Corps Officer
Pittsburgh (Homewood Brushton), PA Corps Officers
Montclair (Citadel), NJ Assistant Corps Officers
Watertown, NY Assistant Corps Officer
Ridgway, PA Corps Officer
Augusta (Regional Capital Corps), ME Corps Officers
Jessica Rock
Giovanni & Marta Romero
Jorge & Lizbeth Rosado
Isaac & Glamaris Santiago
Jimmy & Melissa Susa
Steven Thomas
Philadelphia (Roxborough Citadel), PA Corps Officer
Union City, NJ Corps Officers
Caguas, PR Corps Officers
Albany, NY Corps Officers
Lorain, OH Corps Officers
New Haven (Citadel), CT Assistant Corps Officer
Cadet Hwang Lim. “It means surrendering my own will to his plan,” said Cadet Shareena Lee. “It’s a person who puts away his or her own dreams and desires to follow Jesus,” said Cadet Luis Martinez. “Jesus gave all that He is on the cross, and I’m expected to give all that I have,” said Cadet Jeremiah Eisley. The Commissioners Swanson, territorial leaders, presented certificates of ordination to each cadet. Some came with smiles, some with tears, others with looks of gratitude in thanksgiving, and still others with thoughts of an earlier time, perhaps at the outset or the turning 16
point of their spiritual journey. The Swansons took turns reading to each cadet carefully selected scripture verses. To set the tone for the message, the Territorial Arts Ministries team (TAM) presented a dramatic scripture presentation illustrating how Christ confronted would–be followers with the hard truth of discipleship. Then the Eastern Territorial Songsters ministered in song, followed by a dynamic message by Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, special guest, entitled “Called Beggers,” based on Luke 9: 57–62. “So, do you really want to be a
disciple?” asked Hodder, leader of the Kenya West Territory. He spoke unflinchingly about the hardships of discipleship, alluding to examples in Scripture where Jesus clearly warned, rather than openly welcomed, those people who claimed they wanted to be His followers. Hodder, a purposeful and polished speaker, reminded the cadets of what they would need to sacrifice and endure. “You won’t make a lot of money, you won’t rub shoulders with celebrities, your book won’t be on Amazon.com’s bestsellers list. If these are the things you desire, discipleship is not for you.” June/July 2014
Luke & Sara Barney
Justin Barter
David & Sélah Bender
Damon Bethel
Shane & Dawn Carter
Allison Cornish
Plainfield, NJ Corps Officers
Ravenna, OH Corps Officer
Chillicothe, OH Corps Officers
Hartford (North End), CT Corps Officer
Bradford, PA Corps Officers
Hartford (North End), CT Corps Officer
Larry & Ashley Fulmer
Kathryn Furman
Adriana González
José & Raquel Hernández
Marsha Herz
Nephtalie Joseph
Uniontown, PA Corps Officers
Portsmouth, OH Corps Officer
Mount Vernon, OH Corps Officer
Middletown, CT Corps Officers
Ravenna, OH Corps Officer
Peekskill, NY Assistant Corps Officer
Luis & Nydia Martínez
Maribel Medina
Michelle Miller
Ashley Mineard
Jorge & Gretchen Muñoz
Luis Ocasio
Geneva, NY Corps Officers
Chelsea/East Boston, MA Assistant Corps Officer
Mansfield, OH Assistant Corps Officer
Johnstown, PA Assistant Corps Officer
Youngstown (Templo de Youngstown), OH Corps Officers
Freeport, NY Assistant Corps Officer
Martin & Francisca Tripari
Allison Ward
Michele Watt
Coatesville, PA Corps Officers
DHQ–Pro Tem New Jersey Division
Altoona, PA Assistant Corps Officer
However, he also reminded listeners of the rewards of discipleship, saying that Jesus Christ would be with them “every step of the way.” He shared a compelling story about a crippled little girl in Kenya who was determined to receive God’s blessing. His graphic description of the girl and his vivid narrative of her effort caused many people on the platform and in the audience to shed tears. Hodder said, “Friends, I don’t care who you are, what your background is, how educated, how capable, how gifted, how prominent you may be. Be assured that we are all—beggars. We’re all lost. And www.saconnects.org
yet, God loves us! He tears us away from everything we thought we knew about ourselves and demands our allegiance. But in return, He promises that He will give us our deepest desires. It makes no sense, but it’s true!” “Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the most exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating—and fulfilling—life you could ever imagine. So the question is, will you suffer for a cause and a purpose? And who will pick you up when you fall?” Hodder said that, “When He picks us up, we become more than beggers, we are becoming a conquering Army of God!”
During an appeal for new officers, Commissioner E. Sue Swanson asked, “Who is called by God to be a Salvation Army officer? You can always count on us to ask that question.” Accepted candidates—people who are in process of becoming Salvation Army officers—filled the platform. “This is about our future,” she said. More people came, from the Adult Rehabilitation Centers and from the corps community centers. They filled the platform, singing “He Is Able.” A praise benediction based on Revelation 19 performed by the College for Officer Training Chorus, ended the meeting. 17
commissioning coverage >>
‘Ready or not, world—here we come!’
Warren L. Maye
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you.” —John 15:16
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generous offering of inspiring praise & worship led by the New York Staff Band, the Eastern Territorial Songsters, and the College for Officer Training Timbrelists kicked off an exuberant Appointment Service. A triumphant parade of past session flagbearers followed by the Disciples of the Cross session lieutenants further fanned a spiritual flame that engulfed the Great American Hall at Hershey Lodge. After fervent prayer and the viewing of a video presentation on the Army’s work around the world, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, said, “I want to thank you. Last year, the Eastern Territory raised $10,166,000 for World Services!” Thunderous applause met his announcement. “It is so crucial that we as Salvationists of the USA do all that we can to support the Army’s work around the world.” Swanson thanked officers in the room for their long service and recognized others who are recently retired. In particular, he thanked Lt. Colonels James W. and Blanche L. Reynolds, territorial secretary for business administration and program resource manager/children’s ministries outreach director, for their officership. Swanson presented the “Commissioner’s Award” to the most outstanding cadet. He said, “One cadet has been acknowledged for his outstanding overall service in every area of cadet life.” Assisting Commissioner Swanson was Major Ronald Foreman, College for Officer Training principal, who carried a bundle of books wrapped in colorful ribbon. Swanson presented the books to Lieutenant Jonathan Lewis. The mention of his name inspired applause from both his sessionmates and a large audience segment. Lewis, also honored as the representative speaker, began with a question. “Let me see a show of hands. How many of you remember playing the game ‘Hide
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and Seek’?” As curious smiles appeared, he continued, “The person who is tagged ‘it’ says, ‘Ready or not, here I come!’” Lewis, son of Envoy Tony Lewis, commander of the West Philadelphia Corps Community Center, drew an analogy between the child’s game and life itself. “Ready or not, things happen in our lives,” he said. “But the good news is, for those of us who feel ready to take on our first appointments and for those of us who don’t feel ready—the same God goes before us. He’s not going to leave us holding the bag. He is the difference maker!” Lewis ended his stirring message by saying, “And to the world, I say, ‘Ready or not, here we come!’” The Disciples of the Cross and the audience responded with a standing ovation.
Reaping ‘a harvest’ “You’re going to be a lieutenant,” said Commissioner E. Sue Swanson, territorial president of women’s organizations, during her thoughtful and challenging charge. “You’re going to go ‘in lieu’ of someone very important; someone of a much higher authority—you’re going to go representing Christ. People won’t see Him until they see you—present and available.” Swanson explained that the new lieutenants would “occupy and inhabit” the place of their first appointments. She also alluded to a honeymoon season of approximately five years where the lieutenant is allowed to make mistakes along the way to opening new doors of opportunity and innovation. Her remark,
“I’m sorry divisional commander, I’m only a lieutenant!” brought smiles. In her own inimitable style, Swanson masterfully mixed gravity with levity and kept her audience open to and focused on God’s message. “As a tenant on this land (occupying officers), God is looking for one thing—a harvest,” she said. “You’ll have only a short time to be a lieutenant, but you’ll have a lifetime to be a Disciple of the Cross. God bless you!” The territorial commander then presented to each new lieutenant his or her first appointment. A vast array of communities across the territory awaited them. Many lieutenants were already married with families. And seven engaged couples received their appointments that day—many of whom would be married within a week.
No soldier left behind Lieutenant Stephen Thomas, who had been hospitalized earlier and had missed the Ordination and Commissioning Service, came to the platform. Commissioner Swanson then ordained, commissioned, and appointed him—all at the same time. Swanson said to the former Harvard College student, “You have been appointed as assistant corps officer in another Ivy League town – New Haven, Connecticut!” To conclude the service, the new officers followed their divisional leaders out of the hall while singing with the audience “Storm the Forts!” as the New York Staff Band (B/M Ronald Waiksnoris) played. June/July 2014
commissioning coverage >>
Strikepoint: ‘The Holy Spirit can handle it’
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ommissioner Barry C. Swanson began a day of four “Strikepoint” workshops during Commissioning Weekend in Hershey, Pa., by saying that only serious people need apply. “There’s a message here today for every person who wants to hear it,” the territorial commander said in a passionate opening address. “If you don’t want that, you’re in the wrong meeting. You can go to the pool, go get some chocolate, go do whatever you want in Hershey, but you don’t need to be here. “This is our time. This is our day. This is our moment.” Swanson laid out his “Strikepoint” priorities of Integrated Mission, Deeper Discipleship, Skilled Leadership, and Young Adult Empowerment. “Strikepoint is doing new things in new ways for new people,” Swanson said. “Strikepoint is looking outside of the box. It’s looking away from what we’ve always done and from what we keep doing. “It’s doing something that God is telling you to do. It’s got nothing to do with headquarters. It’s got everything to do with God’s spirit alive and working in your life as a person, as an individual.” Looking around the Great American Hall at the Hershey Lodge, Swanson said some 2,000 people had come on the Saturday of Commissioning Weekend to hear how God wanted to use them. “Now we’re here today to try to figure out what that is,” Swanson said. “This is not the Army’s job to organize something for a bunch of people to do. “This is for us to think personally and individually about What is God saying to me about this? And then, collectively in ‘Strike Force’ teams, ask, ‘OK, what are we going to do about this?’” Swanson later announced that the territory has committed $1.2 million to “Strikepoint.” Each division will be given $100,000 and each corps and ARC can apply for up to $10,000. “Take a risk,” Swanson said. “Innovate. Don’t be afraid to fail.” Swanson said corps and ARCs would have “almost total freedom.” “We want you to try things that haven’t been done before,” he said.
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“We’re not going to tell you what to do,” Swanson said. “What is God telling you to do? I think the Holy Spirit can handle it.” Later, “Strike Force” teams huddled and talked about possible proposals. Saturday also included three more “Strikepoint” sessions and was extremely interactive. Graphic artist Stephanie Crowley drew several murals of the discussion, while Charles P. (Chip) Kelly, Lay Leader Development Bureau director, monitored “Strikepoint Central” and wrote down questions coming in from people watching via livestream. “What is happening today is very ‘live.’ It’s very unprogrammed,” Swanson said. On Saturday, Twitter hashtag “#Strikepoint” was trending third in the world. Reggie McNeal, missional leadership specialist for the Leadership Network, spoke at two “Strikepoint” sessions on reaching the Millennial Generation (people born from 1980 onward). McNeal said the Millennials are not sold on “church,” but enjoy volunteering and the Army is “magnificently positioned” to reach them. “They have a hunger to serve,” McNeal said. “It’s built into their DNA. They are all over the stuff you are doing.” When they come to volunteer, McNeal said, “Don’t let the opportunity to mentor them slip through your fingers.” One session included representatives of Right Now Media, which announced that all Army corps would have access to a host of online biblical tools to help
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with mentoring. McNeal said when he volunteered with the Army, he was disappointed that he didn’t get to talk to the people he served and had no chance to share Christ. “Everybody who comes to you, you need to see as someone you have a responsibility for helping along their spiritual journey,” he said. In another “Strikepoint” session, Commissioner E. Sue Swanson talked about Jonah and quickly let it be known that the biblical account “is not about the whale.” “It’s about those precious people who are engraved on the heart of God,” she said. “We are a territory that is blessed with Ninevites.” Swanson, territorial president of women’s ministries, invited people to come forward and pray about anything God had revealed to them during the “Strikepoint” sessions. “What word has come to you? What obedience do you need to bring to Him?” she asked. The hymn “Trust and Obey” appropriately filled the auditorium as the final session ended.
In closing, Commissioner Barry Swanson said, “We’ve heard God saying so many remarkable things to us in so many different ways. Many of you have taken me aside and said, ‘Commissioner, this can’t be the end of it, this can’t be the last we hear of this.’ “We need to hold one another accountable for what God has said today. We must obey that word.” 19
commissioning coverage >>
Star Search 2014 Award Winners Brass soloist level i
level iV
1st place Amber Bower Williamsport PENDEL 2nd place Sara Dina Cleveland Temple NEOSA 3rd place Kenson Gervais Westbury GNY
1st place Alexa Davis Spring Valley GNY 2nd place Traig Traylor Ravenna NEOSA 3rd place Stephanie Thompson Saratoga Springs EMP
level ii
piano soloist level i
1st place Caroline Wajda Schenectady EMP 2nd place Malachi Reynolds Columbus Citadel SWONEKY 3rd place Berlensie Chery Seaford Sussex Chapel PENDEL
level iii
1st place Jonathan George Montclair Citadel NJ 2nd place Arren Boyd Philadelphia Citadel PENDEL 3rd place Jessica Smith Columbus Citadel SWONEKY
level iV
1st place Charlie Knickerbocker Hempstead Citadel GNY 2nd place Mike Hislop Kearny NJ 3rd place Celestin Nkounkou Tonawanda EMP
Vocal soloist level i
1st place Amber Bower Williamsport PENDEL 2nd place Sophie Baker Montclair Citadel NJ 3rd place Keilah Boone Saratoga Springs EMP
level ii
1st place Ryan Mikolinis Kingston GNY 2nd place Charlotte Pooley Ithaca EMP 3rd place Kiara Rolon Seaford Sussex Chapel PENDEL
level iii
1 place Sean Mikolinis Kingston GNY 2nd place Ian Wettlaufer Lancaster PENDEL 3rd place Tracie Kunzika Hartford Citadel SNE st
20
1st place Geneustace Wicaksono Ithaca EMP 2nd place Brooklyn Slous Spring Valley GNY 3rd place William Howard Middletown SWONEKY
level ii
1st place Samuel Andres Pawtucket SNE 2nd place Zoe Kim Englewood NJ 3rd place Brynn Dixon Niagara Falls Citadel EMP
level iii
1st place Gavrilla Wicaksono Ithaca EMP
level iV
1st place Emily Pastin Boyertown PENDEL 2nd place Eugenia Sumter Trenton Citadel NJ 3rd place Celestin Nkounkou Tonawanda EMP
snare Drum level i 1st place Geneustace Wicaksono Ithaca EMP 2nd place Timothy Jefferson Newark Ironbound NJ 3rd place Jerimy Perez Harlem Temple GNY
level ii
1st place Edward Hardy Newark Ironbound NJ 2nd place Khoury Jordan Port Chester GNY 3rd place Jake Lyle Ashland Kroc Center NEOSA
level iii
level iii
1st place Daniel Guillaume Queens Jamaica Citadel GNY 2nd place Vince Piazza Tonawanda EMP 3rd place Philip Betts Mansfield NEOSA
1st place Makayla Garrett Ocean County Citadel NJ 2nd place Abigail Pastin Boyertown PENDEL 3rd place Marie Antoine Spring Valley GNY
level iV
level iV
1st place Jacob Slous Spring Valley GNY 2nd place Robert Casal Tonawanda EMP 3rd place Adrien Gulliver Lebanon PENDEL
1st place Emily Pastin Boyertown PENDEL 2nd place Candra Quetant Stamford SNE 3rd place Blessing Christian Newburgh GNY
sacred Dance soloist Drama Monologue level i
1st place Lillian Jache Punxsutawney WEPASA 2nd place Meghan Pastin Boyertown PENDEL 3rd place Emma Bate Montclair Citadel NJ
level ii
1st place Serenity Valdes Easton PENDEL 2nd place Sole Williams New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 3rd place Ayriel Brewster Dayton Kroc Center SWONEKY
level i
1st place Antonio Garcia New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Arianna Stevens Syracuse Onondaga Tabernacle EMP 3rd place Danity Valdes Easton PENDEL
level ii
1st place Yeric Garcia New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Hailey Mauk Cleveland Temple NEOSA 3rd place Nicholas George Montclair Citadel NJ
June/July 2014
level iii
1st place Elliott Yeates New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Jonathan George Montclair Citadel NJ 3rd place Eli Eutsey Canton Citadel NEOSA
level B
1st place Peyton Slous Spring Valley GNY 2nd place Rayya Brooks Dayton Kroc Center SWONEKY 3rd place Alex Norris Berlin NNE
1st place Sidney SWONEKY 2nd place Lock Haven PENDEL 3rd place Ocean County Citadel NJ
sacred Dance troupe level a
1st place Dayton Kroc Center SWONEKY 2nd place Poughkeepsie GNY 3rd place Lebanon PENDEL
level iii
level iV
1 place Cameron DeMatteo Bath/Brunswick NNE 2nd place Devin Vogel Tonawanda EMP 3rd place Jordan Figueroa New York Manhattan Citadel GNY st
1st place Latten Williams New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Matthew Spencer Boyertown PENDEL 3rd place Molli Webb Middletown SWONEKY
acoustic guitar level i
level ii
1st place Isaiah Hovatter Middletown SNE 2nd place Matthew Lucero New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 3rd place Anthony Frisk Berlin NNE
level B
1st place Camden Citadel NJ 2nd place Stamford SNE 3rd place New York Manhattan Citadel GNY
level iV
1st place Carlos Reyes Syracuse Temple EMP 2nd place Ian Luchini Brooklyn Bay Ridge GNY 3rd place Adrien Gulliver Lebanon PENDEL
corps youth Band 1st place New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Montclair Citadel NJ 3rd place Columbus Citadel SWONEKY
timbrel Brigade level a
singing company 1st place New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Boyertown PENDEL 3rd place Ithaca EMP
youth chorus 1st place Kingston GNY 2nd place Ithaca EMP 3rd place Hartford Citadel SNE
Drama troupe level a
1st place New York Manhattan Citadel GNY 2nd place Mt. Vernon NEOSA 3rd place Punxsutawney WEPASA
level B
1st place Montclair Citadel NJ 2nd place Port Jervis GNY 3rd place Dayon Kroc Center SWONEKY
1st place Niagara Falls Citadel EMP 2nd place Akron Citadel NEOSA 3rd place Elizabeth Temple NJ
TUKMAN GROSSMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. serving The Salvation Army Eastern Territory since 1997
would like to congratulate
GOOD NEWS!
on 30 years of ‘good news!’ Commissioning Weekend
S! GOOD NEW
pp. 8–12
SPECIAL EDITION
Volume 29 Number
Volume 28 Number
2012
8
The WTC Cross steel t–joint, The cross, a fused support one of which served to it fell, quickly the towers before of hope in the became a symbol Today, it stands midst of disaster. the WTC site. at as a monument
6
August 2011
The First
11
hours
events of 9/11 OF HORRIFIC EVENTS
OF THE TH a samON THIS 10 ANNIVERSARYGood News! presents 2001, shared by September 11, moving testimonies voicpling of the many Representative who were there. camaSalvationists compassion, s shock, horror, es highlight the that many Salvationist determination of need during raderie, and on the front lines that felt while serving attacks. During following the ofhistory, many the first 11 hours time in American The Salvation of unprecedented and volunteers help ficers, soldiers, and practical spiritual healing that Army brought (Please be advised responders. rst fi many to s are graphic.) page 4 continued on some description
USA Eastern
Territorial website:
ctions.org • Good
www.ArmyConne
dy Relief Hurricane San
make General Bond to visit first official USA
Tukman Grossman Capital Management, Inc.
by Robert Mitchell
visit to the her first official of the Resurrection Bond will make General Linda she speaks during the Proclaimers when starting at United States welcome event, Memorial session cadet 9 at Centennial 7:25 p.m. Sept. York City. Temple in New the General’s first trip to And it will be in January. she was elected the territory since R. Steven and Judith A. Commissioners leaders, will give spirHedgren, territorial guidance. ited support and to succeed retiring Bond was elected and comes to the Clifton experience General Shaw with 42 years of role of General leadership. and in Christian ministry
News! Online:
myUSA.org
s.org • USA National
www.SAGoodNew
website: www.SalvationAr
Mitchell
by Warren L. Maye
Photos by Robert
Remembering the
60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Suite 204 • Larkspur, CA 94939 www.tukmangrossman.com • (415) 461–6833
territorial newS >>
Concerts of prayer
F
riday and Saturday nights of Commissioning Weekend featured praise gatherings with plenty of music and prayer inside the spacious Great American Hall at Hershey Lodge. Friday night’s event was billed as a “Concert of Prayer” and included the Eastern Territorial Songsters (ETS) and College for Officer Training Worship Group, along with Scripture read as a prayer. Adam Avery, a young soloist, was featured with a children’s choir. Colonel G. Lorraine Bamford, territorial secretary for women’s ministries, stressed the importance of the weekend, including four “Strikepoint” sessions scheduled the next day, and the commissioning of the Disciples of the Cross session on Sunday. “What better way to start than with a concert of prayer?” she said. The song “Lord, I Give You My Heart” featured Auxiliary Captain Danielle Bender as a soloist and Cadet Shareena Lee as a praise dancer. At the end of the concert, several people came forward to pray that God would speak to them during the weekend. Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, prayed, “As we let this music, as we let
22
Robert Mitchell
these words from this concert of prayer enter our minds and our hearts and our spirits, [we pray] that your Holy Spirit would take control here tonight.” Saturday’s event was a “Celebration of Praise and Prayer” and included the New York Staff Band, ETS, and “Jehosaphat,” a Scripture–based dramatic monologue by Ian Evans. There was also prayer for the four “Strikepoint” areas: Integrated Mission, Deeper Discipleship, Skilled Leadership, and Young Adult Empowerment. Commissioner Jolene Hodder, guest speaker for the night, said she and Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, her husband, oversee 800 schools as leaders of the Kenya West Territory. Many of the students are handicapped, but they still love to joyously celebrate the Lord. Hodder found that some of the blind
students were able to prayer dance by feeling the music vibrations. She equated that instinct with listening to someone’s heartbeat, most importantly God’s. “Do you tonight feel that heartbeat? You can have that same relationship with Jesus Christ,” she said. “That’s what God wants for you and me.” As people streamed forward to pray at the altar, the classic hymn “Just As I Am” played in the background. Commissioner Swanson said they had uttered at least a million words from the stage. “Now it’s time to listen,” he said. As more people came forward to pray, Swanson said, “Do you realize what a beautiful sight this is to the Lord tonight?”
June/July 2014
territorial newS >>
Promoted to Glory MAJOR GLADYS MADELON BROWN
MAJOR DELORES MAE SCHAFFER
MAJOR RAYMOND WARREN SIMPSON
Major Gladys Brown was promoted to Glory from the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital in Brockton, Mass. The daughter of Alfred and Lilla Brown in Pawtucket, R.I., a friend invited Gladys to attend The Salvation Army. She was called to officership at Youth Councils. Following high school, Gladys worked at Camp Wonderland and at the Army’s Nursery and Foster Home Service on Long Island, N.Y. In 1953, she entered training from the Pawtucket, R.I., Corps as a member of The Shepherds session. Gladys served in New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont. In 1961, Gladys was transferred to the Women’s Social Department in Upland, Pa., where she stayed for 12 years. She later served at a childcare and community center and at several Booth homes in Pa. In 1980, she served in the Personnel Services & Records Department at Territorial Headquarters. She retired in 1998. Survivors include her good friend of 26 years, Patricia Hussey; a sister, Clarice York of Rhode Island; two nephews, George Glanvill and James Glanvill, both of Rhode Island; and a great–grand niece, Kelly Glanvill. Cards may be sent to Patricia Hussey, 12 Friendship Dr., West Bridgewater, MA 02379. Email: Gmb7pmh@aol.com.
Major Delores Mae Schaffer was promoted to Glory from Chestnut Knoll in Boyertown, Pa. Delores was born into the home of Joseph and Iva Russell in Elmira, N.Y. Her mother encouraged her to attend The Salvation Army. She fully enjoyed corps activities, playing the cornet, serving as the band librarian, Company Guard, and participating in open–air meetings. She also helped with The War Cry ministry and sang solos. Delores was called to officership at a Youth Councils. In 1953, she entered training from the Oswego, N.Y., Corps as part of The Shepherds session. She served at corps in Ohio and in New York, where she married Lieutenant Earl Schaffer. They served at corps and at Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in New York, Mass., Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They also served at the ARCC at Territorial Headquarters before retiring in 1999. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Jon Schaffer of Douglasville, Pa., and Eric Schaffer of Wilkes–Barre, Pa.; a sister, Major Geraldine Bosh of Rochester, N.Y.; five grandchildren and six great–grandchildren. A grandson, Douglas Bull, was killed in Afghanistan. Captain Laura Gonzalez and Major Cynthia Dean are nieces. Cards may be sent to Major Earl Schaffer, 55 Victoria Drive, Barto, PA. Email: edschaffer@dejazzd.com.
Major Raymond Simpson was promoted to Glory from the Geisinger/Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, Pa. Raymond was born into the family of Raymond William and Elizabeth Simpson in Wilmington, Del., where he attended The Salvation Army. One night, Raymond felt the Lord calling him to officership. He entered officer training from the Wilmington, Del., Corps as a member of the Faithful session. Raymond initially served as an assistant corps officer in Pennsylvania, where, in 1959, he married 2nd Lieutenant Gretchen Presnell. Gretchen, his high school sweetheart, had urged him to accept Christ. The Simpsons served at corps in Pa., Del., and Ohio before retiring in 1998. Raymond became an avid boater, fisherman, and antique car mechanic. Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Kathleen Long of Waynesboro, Pa., Nancy Yoder of Lewistown, Pa., Gretchen Peters of East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Christine Gross of Fremont, Ohio; two sons, Captain Joshua Simpson of Suffern, N.Y., and Raymond Allen Simpson of Aquasco, Md.; three sisters, Barbara O’Neal of Stevensville, Md., Lorraine Miller of Elkon, Md., and Georgia Megonigal of Newark, Del.; and 19 grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Major Gretchen Simpson, 617 Evergreen Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
June 22, 1933—april 14, 2014
april 2, 1935—May 1, 2014
april 28, 1936—april 21, 2014
TERRITORIAL EVANGELIST SCHEDULE Territorial Headquarters will be pleased to schedule the territorial evangelists to appear at your corps or unit at no cost to you. Please call the territorial evangelists’ office at (845) 620–7676 for more information.
All dates are subject to change
www.saconnects.org
CAPTAINS ANGELO AND VIRGINIA BERMEO July 16 Tarrytown, NY July 24–31 Old Orchard Pier Ministry August 7–10 Bath, ME
MAJOR DONNA PETERSON July 24–31 August 1 August 3 August 6–10
Old Orchard Pier Ministry Old Orchard Pier Ministry Bath, ME Providence, RI – ARC
23
GOOD NEWS! THE SALVATION ARMY 440 WEST NYACK ROAD WEST NYACK, NY 10994–1739
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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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DVD
Introductory price (Regularly $14.95)
$14.95
CD
Music from STONED (Studio recording)
The live performance of STONED from Commissioning 2013. V i sit u s online: armyconne c tion s .org/tra d e Toll Fr e e (8 8 8) 4 8 8 . 4 8 8 2 Check out the Trade e–Catalog with your Smart Phone!
words of life Words of Life is The Salvation Army’s daily Bible reading notes series. Use it in private devotional times, or in groups. Gather around a table for coffee and a reading from Words of Life. By offering God’s Word, you offer something lasting. ‘As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it’ (Isaiah 55:10,11).
Subscriptions are available: http://sar.my/wolsubu (UK) or www.ekmpowershop28.com (rest of world).